Water-based stains are finishing products used to add color to wood and other surfaces. They are made with water as the primary solvent, making them easier to clean up and less harmful to the environment compared to oil-based stains. These stains penetrate the surface and enhance the natural grain of the material. One of the main advantages of water-based stains is their quick drying time, allowing for faster project completion. They also have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes them safer for indoor use. However, they may require more coats for deeper color saturation.